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Archive for August 2019

Walking to Health

We are always being told that exercise is one of the best ways to help keep our bodies healthy. Attending weekly classes, groups or even committing to a gym membership can seem like a lot of effort, but there is a simple solution that will cost you nothing except 30 minutes of your time.

Walking.  It’s something we do everyday, whether it be intentional on not.  We walk to get from point A to point B or to keep our furry friends happy.  Have you ever heard the saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’?  Well apples aren’t the only thing to help keep your doctor at bay.  Did you know that walking 30 minutes each day can have some major benefits to your health?

Some of the health benefits of walking include;

  • Reducing risk of strokes and other heart diseases
  • Can help improve normal function of cardiovascular and respiratory organs
  • Improves bone density and reduces risk of osteoporosis
  • Increases muscle strength and endurance
  • Boosts the immune system and helps detoxify the body
  • Improves balance
  • Aids in maintaining healthy skin
  • Helps reduce stress and depression
  • Aids in improving confidence and self-esteem

So, with all these benefits to our health why wouldn’t we want to get walking?  There really are no excuses.  Everyone has access to a place or location where they can walk, there are no financial costs, and there is no special equipment required.  The only thing it will cost is some time out of your day.  Do you have a super busy schedule and can’t find time?  There are some easy ways to incorporate more walking into your daily life without giving up too much extra time.  Some simple substitutions or adjustments you can make to your daily routine include;

  • Take the stairs instead of a lift or escalator where you can
  • If you take public transport to work; get off one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way
  • Park further away from the shops (or wherever it may be) and walk the remaining distance

Walking is not a chore, so don’t make it feel like one!  Make sure to keep your walks interesting and this will make it more enjoyable.  Make walking something you want to do each day.

  • Take different routes to avoid getting sick of the same scenery
  • Walk with friends and make it a time to catch up with each other, this is also a cheaper option than the weekly coffee and a much better investment for your health!
  • Join a walking club – ask your local council if they have a group for you to join.

30 minutes a day is a small investment to maintaining your health and reduce your risk for developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis.  So, grab your shoes and a friend and start walking towards a healthier you today

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